A doctor and nutritionist recounts her personal struggle with weight gain during menopause, her realization of the biological factors involved, and her inspiring journey to regain her health through a unique approach inspired by Japanese culinary traditions.

The Wake-Up Call

The turning point came in 2020 when she found herself unable to button her usual clothes. She purchased a size 22 dress at Harrods, a stark realization of her weight gain. Simultaneously, a cardiologist’s report labeled her an ‘obese 60-year-old woman,’ a description she found mortifying but accurate.

A Paradoxical Struggle

The irony was profound. For three decades, she had dedicated her life to helping others achieve health as a doctor, nutritionist, author, and columnist. Despite this, she had gained four stone over her ideal weight, believing she was eating sparingly. This weight gain was attributed to hormonal shifts during menopause, chronic stress, a demanding work schedule exceeding 80 hours a week, and late-night eating.

Personal and Professional Toll

Feeling like a fraud, she stopped seeing patients individually and focused on writing to maintain her income. Her nearly 25-year marriage was dissolving due to a lack of communication. She experienced plummeting energy levels, a loss of sex drive, and a fading personality.

Navigating Midlife Challenges

In 2021, the discovery of her husband’s affair added to her emotional turmoil. This experience resonated with a common pattern among high-achieving women in midlife – weight gain during menopause, coupled with career and family demands, often leading to self-neglect.

Understanding the Biology

The author explains that during menopause, fat storage shifts from the hips and thighs to the abdomen, resulting in metabolically active visceral fat, making weight loss more difficult. She realized willpower alone wasn’t enough; a biological understanding and a strategy working *with* her body were essential.

Inspired by Japanese Traditions

Inspired by the lower obesity rates in Japan despite long working hours, she embarked on a unique weight-loss journey. She focused on the traditional Japanese practice of consuming bone broth, a dietary staple for centuries.

The Power of Collagen

Starting with homemade broth from leftover chicken bones and garden vegetables, she incorporated it into her daily routine, appreciating its rich collagen content. She explains that collagen is crucial for maintaining the body’s structural integrity, particularly for women experiencing collagen loss during menopause. Studies show collagen supplementation can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and reduce wrinkles. She describes the broth as a ‘holy grail’ due to its multifaceted benefits, highlighting its potential to address the physical and emotional challenges of midlife.